Historic preservation

New home under construction

An energy-smart builder will help you make the right choices for your family and lifestyle.

Mom and daughters playing in leaves

When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.

Building materials, blueprints and paint chips

More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.

Energy rater performing analysis on a front door

An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.

Geodesic dome home

A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.

Megan standing in front of the barn home

A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.

Graphic of heating and cooling circulating through a house

Our four-part series explores how to handle comfort issues in a new home.

Cross section of a structural insulated panel

Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are significantly more airtight than stud walls.

Modular home assembly in a factory

Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.